In the last 30 years or so, a quiet revolution has begun, and it's changing
the way people look at the compulsory nature of school forever. What started out
in the 60's as a radical choice made mostly by parents concerned about the lack
of religious teaching in public schools has evolved into something
spectacular...something so perfect that it seems intimidating. And it's
available to any family willing to make the change.

So often, when people find out that my kids do not go to school, I get
responses like " Oh, I could NEVER do that. I'm not smart enough." or "I don't
think I could stand being with my kids all day every day." and "You must be
really disciplined." Truth is, I don't have a college degree, but I am
absolutely 'smart enough' to be a home schooling parent, and I have every right
to do so. I don't necessarily consider myself a disciplined person, either, and
that is just one of the multitude or reasons why home schooling is a perfect
match for our family.

There are many reasons why a family might choose home schooling over public
or private school. A child may have an illness or disability for which public
school cannot provide proper care. Of course, public schools try hard to be
politically correct, and will do what they can to assist any children with
difficulties, but it's hard enough for one adult teacher to watch over and
effectively control a class of 25 'normally functioning' students, much less
having one or two kids thrown in who have very special medical and physical
needs.

I can think of no environment more nurturing, more secure and loving,
especially for a physically ill or disabled child, than the comfort and
familiarity of their own home and attentive parents. After all, who understands
a child's needs better than an attentive parent?

Home schooling is perfect for Moms like me who work from home. It gives
flexibility and plenty of time to spend with the amazing individual minds that
society calls my children. Perhaps the child has been labeled ADHD and put on
medication.

These narcotics subdue the active child, effectively enabling him to sit
still longer and to 'pay attention' to what the teacher deems important...a
necessary requirement in school. Home schooling, however, imposes no such
limitations. If your child needs to bounce, to talk, to run or even to roll,
these things can be allowed and even encouraged in a home schooling environment.

The negative and long lasting effects of the commonly prescribed drugs are
now coming to light. Concerned parents are becoming more skeptical of physicians
quick fix diagnoses and the schools insistence that such things are required to
keep the classroom 'functioning'....especially when it involves their own
children.

Perhaps the child just doesn't excel in school, has discipline problems or
just plain 'hates' it. Why make them do something they hate every day? Why not
give them the joy that comes along with being free to learn on their own time
and focus on what interests them?

No matter what the reason a home schooling parent gives for taking their
child out of school, one thing is certain. Home schooling is growing in
popularity to the point where almost everyone knows someone who is or was home
schooled. It may be a quiet revolution, but it's voice is growing louder year by
year.